Convert JSON to YAML in VS Code [Complete Guide]

Last updated: • 5 min read

Convert JSON to YAML in VS Code using extensions like "YAML" by Red Hat or "JSON to YAML" converter extensions. Install the extension, open your JSON file, press Ctrl+Shift+P, type "Convert JSON to YAML", and select the command. This guide covers the best vscode json yaml extensions and conversion methods. Not sure which format to use? See our YAML vs JSON comparison.

Best VS Code Extensions for JSON to YAML

Here are the top vscode json to yaml extension options:

1. YAML by Red Hat (Recommended)

Downloads: 20M+ installs
Features: YAML validation, auto-completion, formatting
Schema support: Kubernetes, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions
Install: Search "YAML" in Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)

2. JSON to YAML Converters

"JSON to YAML" by ahebrank: Direct conversion command
"Convert JSON to YAML": Simple one-click conversion
"YAML ❤️ JSON": Bidirectional conversion

Tip: Install both "YAML by Red Hat" for editing support AND a converter extension for one-click JSON/YAML conversion. Prefer command-line tools? See our CLI and yq guide.

How to Convert JSON to YAML in VS Code

Method 1: Using Extension Command

Install extension: Open Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for "JSON to YAML", install
Open JSON file: Open the .json file you want to convert
Open Command Palette: Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac)
Run convert command: Type "Convert JSON to YAML" and press Enter
Save: Save the result as .yaml or .yml file

Method 2: Using Built-in Terminal

Use VS Code's integrated terminal with CLI tools:

# Open terminal in VS Code: Ctrl+` (backtick)

# Using yq
yq -P config.json > config.yaml

# Using Python
python -c "import json,yaml,sys; print(yaml.dump(json.load(open('config.json'))))" > config.yaml

Method 3: Copy-Paste with Online Tool

Select all JSON content (Ctrl+A)
Copy (Ctrl+C)
Open our online converter
Paste and convert
Copy YAML back to VS Code

Convert YAML to JSON in VS Code

The same extensions support yaml to json vscode conversion:

Open your .yaml file in VS Code
Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open Command Palette
Type "Convert YAML to JSON"
Select the command to convert
Save as .json file

Note: Comments in YAML will be lost when converting to JSON, as JSON doesn't support comments. Learn more about these differences in our YAML vs JSON comparison.

Extension Comparison

Extension	Convert	Validate	Format	Schema
YAML by Red Hat	❌	✅	✅	✅
JSON to YAML	✅	❌	❌	❌
YAML ❤️ JSON	✅	❌	✅	❌

Recommendation: Install "YAML by Red Hat" for editing + a converter extension for the best experience.

Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Windows/Linux	Mac
Command Palette	`Ctrl+Shift+P`	`Cmd+Shift+P`
Extensions Panel	`Ctrl+Shift+X`	`Cmd+Shift+X`
Toggle Terminal	Ctrl+`	Cmd+`
Format Document	`Shift+Alt+F`	`Shift+Option+F`

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best VS Code extension for JSON to YAML conversion?

YAML by Red Hat is the most popular extension with YAML language support and validation. For direct conversion, try "JSON to YAML" by ahebrank or "Convert JSON to YAML" extensions. They add command palette options for quick conversion.

How do I convert JSON to YAML in VS Code?

Install a JSON-YAML converter extension, open your JSON file, press Ctrl+Shift+P to open Command Palette, type "Convert JSON to YAML", and select the command. The converted YAML will appear in a new tab.

Can VS Code convert YAML to JSON?

Yes, the same extensions that convert JSON to YAML also support YAML to JSON conversion. Use the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and search for "Convert YAML to JSON" to reverse the process.

Does VS Code have built-in JSON to YAML conversion?

No, VS Code doesn't have built-in JSON to YAML conversion. You need to install an extension or use an external tool. However, VS Code has excellent built-in support for both JSON and YAML syntax highlighting and validation.

Need to convert JSON to YAML quickly?

Use our free online converter—works in any browser, no extension needed.

Open Converter Tool →